Some of the things you should never put in the microwave are metal, plastic, Styrofoam, and spicy peppers. These items can cause damage to your appliance, your food, and your health. In this article, we will explain why these things are not microwave-safe and what are some alternatives to heating them up.
Metal is one of the most common materials that people mistakenly put in the microwave. Metal can reflect the microwaves and create sparks that can ignite a fire or damage the microwave. Metal can also prevent the food from heating up evenly, as it blocks the microwaves from reaching some parts of the food. Some examples of metal items that you should avoid microwaving are aluminum foil, utensils, plates with metal rims, and travel mugs.
If you need to heat up food that is wrapped in aluminum foil, you should transfer it to a microwave-safe container before microwaving. If you want to use a metal utensil to stir or serve your food, you should do it after microwaving, not before or during. If you have a plate with a metal rim, you should use a different plate or a paper towel to cover your food. If you have a travel mug, you should pour your beverage into a ceramic or glass cup before microwaving.
Plastic
Plastic is another material that can be hazardous in the microwave. Plastic can melt or warp when exposed to high temperatures, releasing chemicals that can leach into your food. Some of these chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), have been linked to health problems such as hormone disruption, obesity, and cancer. Some examples of plastic items that you should avoid microwaving are plastic bags, yogurt cups, takeout containers, and plastic wrap.
If you need to heat up food that is stored in plastic, you should transfer it to a microwave-safe container before microwaving. You can check the bottom of the container for a microwave-safe symbol, which usually looks like a box with squiggly lines in the middle. You can also look for the number 5, which indicates that the plastic is made of polypropylene (PP), a type of plastic that is generally considered safe for microwaving. If you want to cover your food to prevent splatters, you should use a paper towel, a wax paper, or a microwave-safe lid instead of plastic wrap.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a type of plastic foam that is often used for packaging and insulation. Styrofoam is not only bad for the environment, as it takes a long time to decompose and can harm wildlife, but also bad for the microwave, as it can melt and release toxic chemicals into your food. Some examples of Styrofoam items that you should avoid microwaving are Styrofoam cups, plates, bowls, and containers.
If you need to heat up food or drink that is served in Styrofoam, you should transfer it to a microwave-safe container before microwaving. You can use a ceramic, glass, or paper container instead of Styrofoam. You can also avoid using Styrofoam altogether by bringing your own reusable containers when you order takeout or buy groceries.
Spicy peppers
Spicy peppers are not a material, but a food that you should never put in the microwave. Spicy peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which is responsible for their heat and flavor. Capsaicin can act as a chemical irritant for humans, causing a burning sensation when it comes in contact with the skin, eyes, or mouth. When you microwave spicy peppers, you can vaporize the capsaicin and create a pepper spray-like effect that can hurt your eyes, nose, and throat. Some examples of spicy peppers that you should avoid microwaving are jalapeños, habaneros, cayenne, and ghost peppers.
If you need to heat up spicy peppers, you should use a stove or an oven instead of a microwave. You can also wear gloves and goggles when handling spicy peppers to protect yourself from the capsaicin. You can also wash your hands thoroughly after touching spicy peppers and avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your face.
Conclusion
Microwaves are convenient and useful appliances, but they are not suitable for everything. Some of the things you should never put in the microwave are metal, plastic, Styrofoam, and spicy peppers. These items can cause damage to your appliance, your food, and your health. To avoid these risks, you should always use microwave-safe containers and materials, and follow the instructions and warnings on the labels. You should also be careful when handling hot food or drink, and use oven mitts or a towel to prevent burns. By following these tips, you can enjoy your microwave safely and efficiently.
